Preparation and performance of nickel–tin alloys used as anodes for lithium-ion battery

As a carbon alternative anode for Li-ion battery, we synthesized amorphous Ni–Sn alloy and crystalline Ni3Sn2 employing different methods that lead to different morphology based on the concept of “buffer matrix”. The characteristics of the nickel–tin alloys were examined by XRD, SEM and DTA analysis. The electrochemical performance of the materials was investigated using a cell incorporated with a lithium metal counter electrode separated from the working electrode by a microporous polyethylene separator material (Celgard 2300) in the electrolyte of 1 M LiPF6 in EC+DMC+DEC. Among the different Sn–Ni alloys synthesized by different approaches, Ni3Sn2 is a promising anode material for high rate discharge and large size Li-ion battery because of its good electronic conductivity and excellent safety.